neumu [ cinematronic ]




	Bob le Flambeur
	Jean-Pierre Melville Roger Duchesne, Daniel Cauchy, Isabelle Corey, Guy Decomble, Claude Cerval, Gérard Buhr, André Garet 1955 Criterion Collection — in French; new full-screen transfer with restored picture and sound; English subtitles (new and improved translation); video interview with actor Daniel Cauchy; radio interview with director Jean-Pierre Melville; theatrical trailer.		The true bridge between American film noir and the French new wave, Jean-Pierre Melville's sublime "Bob le Flambeur" (the title translates as "Bob the Gambler") is an evocative glimpse into the mid-'50s Parisian underworld and the lives of its scurrilous denizens. It remains the epitome of cool half a century later, with a dreamlike vision of Montmartre's mean streets that still casts a spell today. Roger Duchesne, a novice actor who reputedly came complete with worn trenchcoat and criminal record, was cast as dapper compulsive gambler and retired thief Bob. Despite his lack of screen experience, Duchesne brought a dignified, near-unflappable presence to the title role. Bob is an honorable man — tough, yet chivalrous to women and loyal to friends. But inside info encourages him to go for one more big heist: the Deauville casino. It could be a gangster's last gamble. With doe-eyed ingenue Isabelle Corey as an amoral sex kitten and wiry Daniel Cauchy as Bob's ambitious, self-proclaimed protégé Paolo.